Anonymous, the loosely connected online protest group, has launched its latest attack today. Rather than the usual Denial of Service attack though, CopyProtected.com has been schooled in pro-piracy via a takeover of the site.

CopyProtected.com, a Motion Picture Association of America affiliated site designed to promote the benefits of copy protecting DVDs and Blu-ray discs, is the latest victim of Anonymous’ Operation Payback campaign. While previous targets of the protests, such as record label Ministry of Sound, have suffered crippling DDoS attacks this time Anonymous has decided to communicate its message a little more directly.

In a 757-word essay (complete with footnotes, academia-style), Anonymous explains why it believes piracy is justified:

“As in past times with the invention of the printing press, so it is today that the people embrace this revolution, this new “anarchy” of freedom to share, while their autocratic rulers seek to crush this freedom”, it argues. Pointing out that piracy can be a useful way for the poor to access education its states that “Piracy democratizes knowledge and makes education affordable.”

The verbose argument continues: “Indeed, the sequestration of human knowledge for the benefit of extremist capitalism is treason against the whole of humanity.”

Strong words. Anonymous is clearly frustrated by its previous DDoS attacks having had limited effect, being seen as nothing but a minor inconvenience. “Our DDoS efforts have been compared to waiting for a train. What must the people do to be heard? To what lengths must they go to have their pleads taken seriously? Must they to take to the streets with noose and handgun before those in power take notice?”.

The punchline to the piece is when the site redirects… to The Pirate Bay.

The pro-piracy movement has gained momentum in recent years, with political parties being set up in a number of countries, including Sweden and the UK. Anonymous’ latest approach echoes the message preached by those Pirate Parties. The question is, will it have any effect?

DDoS attacks on corporate pro-piracy sites may not make much long-term impact (who visits them anyway?). While taking over a site with a well-reasoned argument may still not hold much sway with the suits in charge of big media corporations, it at least shows them that Anonymous has a serious message behind it and doesn’t simply consist of trouble-seeking script kiddies with a grudge.